Run N Slam: Saturday Afternoon 17 U Standouts

The Run N Slam is always one of the most competitive events in the Midwest during the spring and in this article I'll spotlight the 17 U standouts I caught during the afternoon on Saturday.    A monster weekend for Molima with [program_tooltip program_id='2229551' first='Moss' last='Elite'] as his motor and athleticism were on full display. One of the more athletic bigs at the tournament, few players matched Molima's rebounding and dunk totals from the weekend. Making some significant improvements from last summer, Molima could attack with two dribbles in a straight line and was quicker off his feet. Defensively Molima takes up a lot of space in the paint and when he's in the right position to protect the rim does a nice job contesting. A forward who scholarship programs should be all over this summer, Molima is one of a handful of talented Kentucky prospects on this [program_tooltip program_id='2229551' first='Moss' last='Elite'] 17 U squad.     You'd think the opponents of [program_tooltip program_id='2229551' first='Moss' last='Elite'] would get a break when Molina heads to the bench but Walker does a lot of the same things to impact the game for his team. An excellent rebounder for his height, Walker played with good energy and did a nice job rim running off screens he set. Able to create offense for himself off putback layups, Walker is a guy the defense has to box out or he will feast on second chance opportunities. Incredible luxury for [program_tooltip program_id='2229551' first='Moss' last='Elite'] to be able to bring another high motor big off the bench.     A dominant performance by Midwest Pumas CC in the game I caught, Walburn had like four steals in five possessions late in the first half on Saturday afternoon. With quick hands and the right understanding of where to be as a helpside defender, the ball seemed to find Walburn as his steals usually led to runout layups for his team. I liked the pace Walburn played with when the ball was in his hands as well, not forcing the issue and slowing down when necessary to read the defense and find the open man. Olentangy had a breakthrough season last year and with guys like Walburn coming back they should be just as tough next season as well.     The top interior scorer on the Midwest Pumas CC team, Weakley does a nice job of using his frame to shield off defenders to score in the paint. Whether it's a drive, a cut or a post up, Weakley uses soft touch at the rim to convert a high percentage of shots in the paint. With a style of play that fits the physical and halfcourt grind it out play of the Columbus Catholic League, Weakley should be one of the most productive players in the conference as a senior for a program that's always a tough out in league play and the postseason.     The Hillsboro guard made multiple open corner 3-pointers in the game I caught as his teammates were moving the ball well to find him when he was open. Add in Howland's ball handling ability that allows him to get where he wants off the dribble and he found a lot of success offensively. I also loved the hustle Howland showed for loose balls, tapping out multiple rebounds he couldn't secure to his teammates. Expect Howland to put up monster numbers in the FAC next season for a Hillsboro squad that's been on the rise in large part thanks to Howland.     Dari took multiple charges in the game I caught, sacrificing his body for the good of his team. A skilled combo guard, Dari used nice footwork drives with pivots off jump stops to play on balance. Dari is at his best when he's setting the table for his teammates first as he made some nice passes to cutters for assists in the game I caught and then letting his scoring come within the flow of the offense or in transition off a steal which allowed his team to extend the lead. Talented small college guard prospect who checks a handful of boxes.

The Run N Slam is always one of the most competitive events in the Midwest during the spring and in this article I'll spotlight the 17 U standouts I caught during the afternoon on Saturday.